2021
Getting to Know Your Florida Home Insurance Policy
Jim Jenkins / 0 Comments /You’re crushing it at this whole adulting thing. Gold star to you, responsible homeowner. You’ve navigated the various rates and policies of your Florida home insurance with competing insurance companies, browsed the internet, and secured the best value. Now, send a check in the mail, put a tick in the box, and think about what’s next on your to-do list.
Not so fast. You see, not all home insurance policies were created equally, and you need to take the time to know what yours entails. We get it: you’re busy, and you have a broad understanding of the losses and damages that are covered. But what about limits, exceptions, and stipulations (oh, my!) that could affect your ability to get compensation for replacement, repair, or medical bills?
Don’t fall short on coverage
Take it from us: finding out that there are big, gaping holes in your policy after a flood, accident, or fire in the home is not pleasant.
Imagine discovering that your policy falls short when you’re knee-deep in water following a washing machine leak. Not fun. Picture yourself picking up the glass after a tree branch crashes through your kitchen window during a storm, only to hear “sorry. Your policy doesn’t cover that.” After the shock of a fire, flood, or water damage, you don’t need another.
Typically, Florida home insurance policies include these main areas of coverage:
- Dwelling – the cost of rebuilding your home as new
- Other structures – the detached structures on your property such as a shed,
fencing, or garage. - Personal property – belongings in the home or car
- Loss of use / additional living expenses – should you need to temporarily live
elsewhere - Liability – if you’re responsible for someone getting injured or their belongings are
damaged in the home - Endorsements – items to be added to the policy such as theft protection,
earthquake coverage, water back-up, or valuable personal property.
Do your homework
Don’t assume that your policy covers all eventualities. Here in Florida, home insurance is especially important since we are susceptible to wildfires, as well as wind and water damage due to our coastal location and hurricane season. Make sure that you follow these two steps:
Ask the questions
Coming up to either your policy renewal date or Florida hurricane season are good times to read through your home insurance policy thoroughly and become familiar with the coverage. Ask your insurance company what the policy does and does not cover.
Ask how quickly the company pays out on claims. Usually, an adjustor assesses the damage and you’ll need approval before scheduling repair work. While waiting, water leakages can cause further damage. Ask who does the repair work – some companies allow you to choose the contractor while others have an approved list.
Investigate not just the cost and discounts of the policy, but the deductibles, and
coverage. Once you have all of the information you can weigh up what policy is right
for you.
Ask for help
If you’re making a claim, get an experienced insurance claim lawyer in Florida who
knows how to deal with insurance companies who are highly skilled at debating the
claim. Don’t be a victim of the deny/delay/underpay games that they play. Fair
compensation is more likely when you ask for help from someone who knows the
law.
A legal team you can count on
At Jenkins Law PL, we specialize in handling insurance companies, and we take the
stress out of making a claim. Simply get in touch to learn more.
